Classic cars drive in for airport event

In general, there are three reasons why people go to the airport: to pick someone up, to drop someone off or to get on a flight themselves.

But on Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., you’ll have a fourth reason: attending the airport’s first-ever classic car Cruise-In.

And just what’s a cruise-in? According to airport customer service director Lynne Douglass, it’s a chance for car lovers to show off their classic cars and chat with other owners and aficionados. “Shows tend to have a competitive element,” she explains. “A cruise-in is all about the cars.”

In addition to classic cars, which Douglass says will be mostly from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, there will be plenty of food, a DJ spinning oldies from that era and free airport parking for attendees. You’ll also be able to watch planes taking off and landing. Anyone with a classic ride is welcome to bring it – there’s no registration fee for the event.

While you’re there, pop into the airport’s main lobby. There, thanks to a new partnership with the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties, you’ll find works from local artists on display. Twelve artists were selected to participate in the program, which launched in February. The artwork, which is also displayed in the connector between the main lobby and the gates, rotates every other month.

This summer, the airport will celebrate the 80th anniversary of Delta’s service to Columbia. Delta’s first flight out of Columbia took place on Aug. 8, 1934. The aircraft was a seven-passenger Stinson Model T aircraft. The round-trip fare was $18.72. We’re assuming it was on time.